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Nicol brushes aside Omneya for fifth World Open crown

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Nicol David captured a recordequalling fifth women’s World Open squash title in grand style in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, yesterday.

The Penangite was simply too good for fourth seed Omneya Abdel Kawy of Egypt in the final, romping home 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 as the Egyptian failed to put up much resistance despite the huge home support.
Nicol had also captured the world title in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Last hurdle: Nicol David easily overcame Omneya Abdel Kawy (left) of Egypt to win a record-equalling fifth World Open title in Sharm El Sheikh Wednesday.
 
“I am happy to win my fifth world title. I never expected to win it in straight sets,” Nicol was quoted on
squashsite.co.uk.

Her five world titles equal that achieved by Australian Sarah Fitz- Gerald, who triumphed in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2002.
Yesterday’s triumph was Nicol’s 13th win over Omneya in 14 outings in Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) tournaments.

Nicol has been in smashing form in the World Open, winning all her five matches without dropping a single set.

With this victory, Nicol now has won a total of 48 Wispa titles since turning pro in 2000.
It was Nicol’s seventh consecutive Wispa title this year.

She started the year by winning the Chennai Open in March.
Her other wins this year were in the KL Open (March), Cayman Islands Open (April), the Malaysian Open (July), Singapore Masters (July) and the Hong Kong Open (August).
The World Open win could not have been more timely as Nicol bids to bag her first gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi next month.

Nicol has only won a silver medal in the Games, partnering Ong Beng Hee in the mixed doubles event in the 2002 Manchester Games.

Judging by her imperious form in Sharm El Sheikh, Nicol should have no problem ending her long wait for the Commonwealth Games gold medal.

At the last Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006, Nicol could only finish fourth.
On Tuesday, Nicol had eliminated third seed Alison Waters of England 14-12, 11-2, 11-6 in 38 minutes in the semi-finals.

Omneya, meanwhile, became the first Egyptian woman to reach the World Open final when she beat Frenchwoman Camille Serme 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 in just 26 minutes.

Results
Semi-finals: Nicol David (Mas) bt Alison Waters (Eng) 14-12, 11-2, 11-6; Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy) bt Camille Serme (Fra) 11-4, 11-7, 11-6.
Final: Nicol David (Mas) bt Omneya Abdel Kawy (Egy) 11-5, 11-8, 11-6.


By AFTAR SINGH


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